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NASA to Send Radiation-Tolerant Computer to the Moon
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NASA to Send Radiation-Tolerant Computer to the Moon

A Radiation Tolerant Computer, developed by researchers at Montana State University, is one of the payloads that Firefly Aerospace will deliver to the Moon as part of NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services initiative. Called RadPC, the technology will demonstrate its capability to recover from data and system errors that may occur when computers are exposed to the harsh space environment, NASA said Wednesday. 

NASA to Test RadPC on the Moon

According to the space agency, RadPC will monitor and assess its own health on the lunar surface. The computer is equipped with redundant processors arranged like tile-like logic blocks that can be replaced in case of failure. 

The experiment aims to offer a solution to the problem of so-called “single event effects,” which refers to cascading system malfunctions that occur when a high-energy particle strikes computers in space. Even just one particle can lead to system crashes and permanent damage, potentially affecting mission safety and success. 

RadPC is designed to identify the location of a particle strike and repair the affected area in the background. 

In addition, the computer will also measure levels of radiation in the lunar environment with its three dosimeters, each with varying levels of sensitivity. The dosimeters will also monitor interactions between the Earth’s magnetosphere and the solar winds throughout its journey to the Moon and then study its landing site Mare Crisium to prepare for future manned Artemis missions. 

“This is RadPC’s first mission out into the wild, so to speak,” commented Dennis Harris, lunar payload manager and mission manager at NASA. “The RadPC CLPS payload is an exciting opportunity to verify a radiation-tolerant computer option that could make future Moon to Mars missions safer and more cost-effective.”

NASA Prepares for Next Moon Payload Delivery

The next CLPS mission is scheduled for Wednesday at 1:11 a.m. EST. Firefly’s Blue Ghost 1 lunar lander will lift off atop a SpaceX Falcon 9 from Kennedy Space Center’s Launch Complex 39A in Florida. 

The lander will carry 10 NASA experiments to Mare Crisium located in the northeast quadrant of the near side of the Moon. The basaltic plain or lunar maria was created by early volcanic eruptions.

Blue Ghost 1 is expected to arrive on the lunar surface in March.

Firefly will deliver multiple scientific experiments and technology demonstrations to the Moon through multiple launches under four CLPS contracts.

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DIU Issues Solicitation for AI-Enabled Diligence Evaluation
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DIU Issues Solicitation for AI-Enabled Diligence Evaluation

The Defense Innovation Unit is seeking proposals for artificial intelligence-enabled diligence evaluation, or AIDE.

DIU AIDE Platform Attributes

The DIU said the request for proposal was initially posted on SAM.gov on Jan. 13, 2020, and updated on Oct. 2, 2023. Interested parties may send their responses by Jan. 21.

The RFP involves the use of AI to optimize industrial foreign influence analysis, business intelligence and due diligence processes.

Contractors should be able to develop a platform or service that integrates and evaluates financial, business intelligence and workflow data from various sources. The potential platform should also be able to provide in-depth analysis, risk management and summary reports to streamline due diligence processes.

In addition, it should scan and analyze diverse commercial data and leverage a risk-based analysis framework. This will enable the platform to determine possible issues such as adversarial capital, business relationships, cyber hygiene, financial stability, intellectual property protection, supply chain resilience and technology-sharing agreements.

Other important aspects of the potential AIDE platform include:

  • Understanding of the problem sets
  • Data processing and transformation
  • Generative AI integration
  • Analytics and reporting
  • UI/UX
  • API integration and interoperability
  • Security and compliance
  • Scalability and performance
  • Data governance and quality assurance
  • Flexibility for future integration
OSTP Chief Says Federal R&D Needed Amid Threats of Spending Cuts
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OSTP Chief Says Federal R&D Needed Amid Threats of Spending Cuts

Arati Prabhakar, the director of the White House’s Office of Science and Technology Policy, delivered a speech at the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine on Jan. 7, where she underscored the need for the federal government to continue investing in research and development, Nextgov/FCW reported Wednesday.

Addressing the Needs of the Public

Prabhakar said that although innovation is rightfully driven by the private sector, companies cannot be expected to carry out R&D specifically to address public needs.

“These are the responsibilities that government has for national security, the responsibility we have in health, the responsibility for energy and the environment and agriculture, for space and for education and for transportation and more,” the OSTP head pointed out.

Uncertainty in Public R&D

Prabhakar made the remarks amid what she described as the uncertainty in federally-funded R&D as the new administration comes in. President-elect Donald Trump has called for reductions in federal spending and has endorsed the establishment of an advisory body that would offer recommendations on how the government could save on costs, the Department of Government Efficiency.

In light of the possible changes that the Trump administration may introduce, the OSTP chief said, “[We’re] at a pivotal moment for federally-funded R&D,” adding that now is “an important time to get ready for the future.”

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GSA Awards OASIS+ Contracts to Cherokee Federal
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GSA Awards OASIS+ Contracts to Cherokee Federal

The General Services Administration has awarded contracts to several Cherokee Federal companies for the One Acquisition Solution for Integrated Services Plus, or OASIS+, contracting program.

Cherokee Nation Management & Consulting received an unrestricted OASIS+ contract, while various other Cherokee Federal companies received notices to proceed on the OASIS+ small business contract, the federal contracting division of Cherokee Nation Businesses, announced Wednesday. 

The OASIS+ contracting vehicle is a host of multi-award contracts that support federal agencies’ acquisition requirements for professional services. With an unlimited ceiling value, OASIS+ contracts are available for use by all federal agencies. 

Clint Bickett, chief operations officer at Cherokee Federal, said, “Through the versatile OASIS+ contracting mechanism, government agencies gain immediate access to our comprehensive and adaptable professional services solutions.”

“Building on a rich history of success under legacy OASIS contracts, our dynamic team of LLCs are well-positioned through this best-in-class vehicle to continue serving the mission of our customers,” Bickett noted.

Cherokee Federal’s Companies Under OASIS+

Cherokee Federal’s companies on the OASIS+ small business contract include:

  • Cherokee Nation Defense Solutions
  • Cherokee Nation Government Solutions
  • Cherokee Nation Operational Solutions
  • Cherokee Strategic Solutions
  • Preting

After receiving notices to proceed, the companies will deliver services to federal clients through domains such as management and advisory; technical and engineering; intelligence; research and development; logistics; facilities and environmental service. 

Cherokee Nation Strategic Programs is currently under evaluation after being named the top awardee in the initial OASIS 8(a) pool. Various Cherokee Federal companies are also under evaluation for the OASIS+ 8(a) and OASIS+ HUBZone pools. 

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David Henry Named Defense Innovation Unit Deputy CIO
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David Henry Named Defense Innovation Unit Deputy CIO

The Defense Innovation Unit has appointed David Henry, a senior cyber leader, as deputy chief information officer.

Henry announced his new position in a LinkedIn post published Wednesday.

David Henry’s Career Background

Prior to DIU, he was a senior cyber adviser at the Department of Defense’s Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Policy.

His industry career included time as an executive for the cyber practice at Accenture Federal Services and adviser at Dark Wolf Solutions.

The Stanford University industrial engineering graduate spent more than two decades within the U.S. Air Force, where he served as deputy chief information security officer, deputy director for cyberspace strategy and policy and director of cyberspace plans and requirements.

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Pentagon Releases Mission Architecture Style Guide
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Pentagon Releases Mission Architecture Style Guide

The Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering has issued new guidance designed to aid model-based systems engineers and architects in developing, presenting and analyzing model-based mission architectures.

In a LinkedIn post published Wednesday, the OUSD R&E said the Mission Architecture Style Guide, or MASG, seeks to promote collaboration and reduce duplication of effort to encourage the development of authoritative joint models to analyze advanced technology concepts and missions across the Department of Defense.

The new resource will serve as a companion guidance to the second version of the Mission Engineering Guide published in October 2023.

What Is the Purpose of the Mission Architecture Style Guide?

The 74-page document seeks to facilitate the production and sharing of authoritative architectures that can be used by the DOD community at large while remaining in alignment with international Object Management Group standards.

The guide also provides advice to mission architects as they develop views and presentation materials to inform senior DOD and government leaders on key policy and investment decisions that drive technology development.

The resource should be used in conjunction with the Enterprise Architecture Guide for the Unified Architecture Framework.

Pentagon Releases Mission Architecture Style Guide

Register now for the Potomac Officers Club’s 2025 Defense R&D Summit on Jan. 23, and hear from leading defense researchers, experts and decision-makers about the cutting-edge technologies shaping the future of the U.S. military.

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GSA’s 8(a) STARS III GWAC Provides IT Support for State Dept
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GSA’s 8(a) STARS III GWAC Provides IT Support for State Dept

General Services Administration official Laura Stanton discussed how GSA’s 8(a) STARS III governmentwide acquisition contract enables small businesses to provide IT platforms and services for the State Department to support critical government missions worldwide.

In a blog post published Tuesday, Stanton, assistant commissioner for the Office of IT Category at GSA’s Federal Acquisition Service, wrote about how vendors on the 8(a) STARS III GWAC delivered IT support services for the U.S. Embassy in Iraq.

“This operation underscores 8(a)STARS III’s far-reaching impact as well as the essential role GSA plays in delivering technology solutions to even the most challenging environments,” she noted.

Conducting Market Research as a Service

Prior to awarding a mission-critical task order under the 8(a) STARS III contract, GSA issued a Market Research As a Service, or MRAS, request to notify industry stakeholders of the State Department’s requirement for location-specific services.

Through MRAS, GSA identified that a particular service required the selected vendor to have a business license in Iraq.

“This requirement usually takes several months and existing personal connections within the Iraqi government,” Stanton wrote.

According to the GSA official, the potential $55 million task order provides services for the State Department for up to four years.

What Is 8(a) STARS III?

The potential $50 billion 8(a) STARS III GWAC is a small business set-aside contract that provides government agencies access to IT services and customized IT services-based solutions.

The contract, which started in July 2021, has a five-year base ordering period and one three-year option term.

According to Stanton, more than 40 federal agencies have used the contract to procure IT services from small businesses since the vehicle’s launch. Over 1,100 contracts have been awarded through the GWAC, which has a current value of more than $6 billion.

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White House Announces New Government Seal for Secure Smart Home Devices
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White House Announces New Government Seal for Secure Smart Home Devices

The U.S. government has introduced a new cybersecurity label for commercial smart devices. The new U.S. Cyber Trust Mark, administered by the Federal Communications Commission, will enable consumers to make better-informed choices about the interconnected electronics they purchase and bring into their homes, the White House said in a press release Tuesday. 

The labeling program is a result of a public notice and input period that lasted over 18 months. 

Projected Impact of the New Government Labeling Program

The U.S. Cyber Trust Mark is a bipartisan effort that aims to assess the cybersecurity of wireless interconnected home devices and incentivize companies to produce more secure products. According to the White House, the initiative will work similarly to Energy Star, which enables consumers to identify energy-efficient appliances.

Companies can voluntarily test their products’ cybersecurity against a criteria set by the National Institute of Standards and Technology. The program covers security cameras, baby monitors, appliances and other consumer electronics.

All products that meet cybersecurity requirements will receive a distinct shield logo. 

Cybersecurity Seal Receives Industry Support

Michael Dolan, senior director and head of enterprise privacy and data protection at Best Buy, commented in the White House press release that the program marks a positive step forward. 

Steve Downer, vice president at Amazon, meanwhile, said consumers will see the value of the U.S. Cyber Trust Mark. 

Justin Brookman, director of technology policy at Consumer Reports, affirmed support for the program, saying that the nonprofit organization will apply for the mark. 

“Consumer Reports is eager to see this program deliver a meaningful U.S. Cyber Trust Mark that lets consumers know their connected devices meet fundamental cybersecurity standards,” he stated. “The mark will also inform consumers whether or not a company plans to stand behind the product with software updates and for how long.”

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NIST Seeks Input on Algorithm for Quantum Attack Protection
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NIST Seeks Input on Algorithm for Quantum Attack Protection

The National Institute of Science and Technology is soliciting feedback on its draft guidance on using key-encapsulation mechanisms, or KEMs, for protection against cyberattacks using quantum computers. The guide follows up on the August release of NIST’s updated cryptographic standards with an algorithm for quantum attack protection, the institute said Tuesday. 

NIST added that the public input on the guidance, titled Recommendations for Key Encapsulation Mechanisms, will help it select one or two additional KEMs for standardization. Through KEMs and their set of algorithms, two parties can share a secret key for performing tasks, such as encryption and authentication, over a public channel.

Multi-Algorithm Protection Key

Approaches to establishing a multi-algorithm key in creating and combining shared secrets are among the recommendations in the 52-page guidance. It also provides KEMs’ definitions, properties and applications.

The deadline for submitting comments—which can be e-mailed to sp800-227-comments@nist.gov—is March 7.

In November, NIST solicited public comments on the first draft of its report describing how the agency will manage and guide the transition to cryptography standards less vulnerable to quantum attacks. The 22-page draft report, titled “Transition to Post-Quantum Cryptography Standards,” pinpoints the current quantum-vulnerable cryptographic standards and existing quantum-resistant algorithms proposed for deployment in the migration.

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Kennedy Space Center & Florida Schools to Boost Research, Tech
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Kennedy Space Center & Florida Schools to Boost Research, Tech

NASA’s Kennedy Space Center and Florida University Space Research Consortium are collaborating to advance research and technology capabilities.

The agency said officials from both organizations signed a memorandum of understanding during a ceremony held on Wednesday at the Kennedy Space Center.

Advancing Research and Technology Through Collaboration

The collaboration aims to boost research, technology development, education and communication between the Florida spaceport and the consortium, the state’s official space research entity. Through the memorandum of understanding, the partnership intends to support missions and NASA’s Moon to Mars exploration initiative.

What Is the Florida University Space Research Consortium?

The consortium includes the University of Florida, University of Central Florida and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University but plans to add other interested Florida universities. It aims to build a beneficial relationship between Kennedy and the three charter universities based on academic collaboration, shared projects and workforce development. The consortium will focus on advancing innovations in space exploration, research and technology.

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson, a 2024 Wash100 Award winner, remarked, “As we move deeper into this golden era of space exploration, a new generation of thinkers and leaders will lead the way – thinkers and leaders like the researchers, faculty and students of the Artemis Generation, whom we are pleased to work with through the consortium.”

Kennedy Space Center Director Janet Petro, a signatory on the agreement, said, “This symbiotic partnership makes way for collaborative research opportunities and increased exposure to advanced technology, significantly enhancing NASA’s research output in fields such as aerospace engineering, materials science, robotics and environmental science, all of which are necessary for long-term human exploration as we learn to live and work deeper into space than ever before.”

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